Help! Tackling School Avoidance
Now that the school year is well underway, it can feel like the hard work of settling children into the classroom is all done. But, unfortunately, for many children, the
Kids Christmas Gift Guide
I am a chronic over planner. I must be triple prepared for any event I throw. Same goes for gift giving. I make lists, write dates and meticulously plan each
The Messy Patch: A Play Haven for Kids
You know how crazy we are about play in our house. Its always a priority of ours to make sure the boys have access to play- and the best resources
Movement Zone
Our house has different play zones. It kinda just happened. There are zones for creating and making, focused learning, construction, calming and movement! Our lounge room is our movement zone.
What is a Friend?
Someone you like playing with and you trust. Someone who is there for you when you need them most. Someone you care about and cares about you. Someone you look up to. Someone who
Separation Anxiety: How to ease your child’s heart when they’re anxious
If you have been following along on my Instagram you will know that our son experiences separation anxiety at his Montessori drop off. I am so grateful to the people
The Benefits of Creating Art
There are many wonderful accounts on Instagram who advocate for Art in the early years life (@ohcreativeday is just one amazing example). It turns out that our son is deeply
How to Ease Your Child’s Transition to School: Part 2
In my last article, I shared tips for getting your child ready for primary school. But you know who else is getting ready for school? YOU! The parent or carer.
How to Ease Your Child’s Transition to School: Part 1
At this time of year, I find myself having the same conversation with families over and over again. Parents always wondering what they can do to help their child get
Why we won’t buy our kids all the “Stuff.”
I have had this topic on my heart for a while and I have finally found the words to share it. A while back we were doing a Facetime call
Part 3: How to Encourage Your Child to Clean Their Own Mess
In my previous two posts I discussed the positives of mess and how it can add value to your child’s play experience. Then I talked about the time where mess
Part 2: Mess in the Playroom and when it’s NOT OK.
Welcome to Part 2 of my 3 part series on mess. In my previous blog post I spoke about the idea of celebrating mess and it's benefits. Go and check
Let’s Celebrate the Messy Playroom
Welcome to my 3 part series on mess. I will be sharing why mess is not something to be afraid of, when mess is not ok, and ways to encourage
Choosing a Quality Picture Book
There is no surprise that I am a lover of picture books. I have spent my whole life reading books and marveling at the language and illustrations in them. I get lost
Natural Disasters: How to Help Your Child Cope
There is no secret here, Australia is burning. Our beautiful country has had its pristine landscape ravaged by fire and much of the eastern side of Victoria and NSW has
New Year Conversations
As we meet the end of 2019 I have taken the time to reflect on the year gone by and it's many blessings. Not only did we welcome another baby
Fair vs Equal – What’s the Difference?
What is fair? What is equal? Is it the same thing? Well, in the world of education, it isn’t. Equal is when everybody gets the same, regardless of the needs
Open Ended Toys: Our Favourite
What are open ended toys? Open ended toys are those that can be used in a variety of ways. Different ways depending on your child’s mood, interests, desires, abilities or
The Montessori Approach at Home
If you're new around here then you may not know how much we love and respect the Montessori approach for learning and life. And if you're not new around here...
Sensory Play: Why we LOVE it!
In our house we are BIG fans of sensory play. We have been doing sensory play activities since L was a baby. From waving silk scarves along his supple baby
Let Kids Have Their Sticks by Dr Andrea Bonior
I feel so privileged to have Dr Andrea Bonior contribute to Heads Shoulders Knees this month. Dr Bonior is a mum, a clinical psychologist and a writer. She is a
Money Matters
In my years of teaching I've seen many things. But the one thing that is progressively getting more difficult for young children to understand is the concept of money and
Three Everyday Phrases That Restrict Children’s Resilience
Our wonderful blog post this month has been contributed by Bradley Williams, an Occupational Therapist based in Adelaide. Bradley is fighting the good fight of keeping children playing outside, learning
Travel and Learning: Yep! They’re Linked!
So often I hear families expressing concern about taking their children out of school for family holidays. And yes, being in school is 100% important and I wouldn't say otherwise. BUT,
Baby Talk: A Poor or Smart Decision?
For this month, we are lucky to have a blog contribution from Janice and Tania from Little Birdie Books. Two awesome speech pathologists who have designed wonderful book boxes specifically
Cooking with Kids by Georgia Evans
The month's contribution to Heads Shoulders Knees comes from the very brave (lol) and lovely Georgia from Georgia's Little Kitchen! Georgia is an advocate for cooking with little ones and
Early Learning: Play Based Learning Experiences
Thanks for tuning in again to Angela's contribution here at Heads Shoulders Knees. Here is Part 2 of her piece on early learning and play! In this article she gives
Early Learning: It’s All Fun and Games
This wonderful article has been contributed by Angela of Little Life Co. A fellow mama and teacher who is passionate about learning in the early years. In this article she
How Do Children Play and Learn at the Same Time?
This wonderful article is written by guest blogger Amber from The Playful Learner. Thank you so much Amber for your contribution. Why does it need to be play OR learn? It doesn’t!
Mindful March: Living Mindfully with Children
I've said it before and I'll say it again. Life in this day and age is FAST. There is less and less time to stand still. To watch. To breathe.
Mindfulness and the Senses: Using Mindfulness to Inspire Thinking
As we all know, this day and age is fast! And it will get faster and faster. I want to arm my child, and your children, with the vital skill
Mindful March: Celebrating Mindfulness in Books
In this day and age our world continues to get faster and faster. My body doesn't like it. I have to make a point to slow down so I can
Reluctant Readers in the Early Years
Welcome back readers! I recently received an email from a mum, about her 2.5 year old daughter, who is reluctant to sit down and enjoy a book. This mama was
Blocks: Better for Learning than you Think!
Blocks, Duplo, Lego or whatever name or shape they take, blocks really are a super toy! Blocks are a massive deal in our house. L really loves them, and so
Australia Day: Celebrating Aussie Authors
With Australia Day coming up this week it got me thinking of the great Aussie authors we have in this special country. I decided that 5 days wasn't going to
Reconnecting in 2018
Welcome to 2018! Wow, another year has passed and I feel like each year goes quicker and quicker. I just wanted to take this opportunity to reintroduce myself and what Heads